Message: Proverbs 1 introduces us to a
monologue style script of wisdom personified. Back in the days that I used to
bounce around parts of the bible to read I didn’t quite understand that it was
wisdom speaking here and some of these passages sounded so harsh and
judgmental. Things like “I will laugh at you and mock you in your calamity”.
This is not the heart of God, it is the consequence of our rebellion. I can
think of all of the times that I had this tiny little though “I should…” and
for whatever reason I didn’t act on that small voice and as soon as the
consequence came I felt like the situation itself was mocking me for not
listening. This is what I believe this is about.

Command: Listen to wisdom. Don’t ignore her
voice!!

Promise: Listening to wisdom will increase
learning. It also brings peace even in hardship because you aren’t anticipating
a consequence.

Warning: This chapter is FULL of warnings! The
main warning is that once wisdom is ignored, it’s too late to avoid the
consequence and you won’t be rescued from it. The situation itself will make
you look like a fool.

Application: My challenge to myself here is to pay
attention to those small little warning thoughts. The “I should and I shouldn’ts”.
Don’t brush them off no matter how small they seem.